CN111684003A - Polymer composition for applications comprising layer elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a polymer composition, an article comprising the polymer composition, preferably an article comprising at least one Layer Element (LE) comprising the polymer composition, and a process for producing the article.

Description

Polymer composition for applications comprising layer elements

technical field

The present invention relates to a polymer composition, a layer element (LE), an article comprising a polymer composition, preferably an article comprising a layer element (LE), a polymer composition (preferably (LE)) Use for producing an article and a method for producing an article.

Background technique

The following are examples of articles comprising layer elements: for example, articles that are single layer elements, such as monolayer films; articles that are multilayer elements, such as multilayer films; articles comprising two or more layer elements for use in photovoltaic devices Articles of manufacture; articles comprising two or more layer elements for architectural applications, such as elements in buildings, e.g. architectural elements, such as exterior/interior elements, such as exterior wall elements, window elements, doors on the exterior of buildings Elements or interior wall elements; elements in bridges; elements in vehicles, such as windows in cars, trains, planes or ships; elements in production equipment, such as safety windows in machines; elements in household appliances; in projection applications components, such as head-up displays; or components in furniture, etc.

For example, photovoltaic (PV) modules, also known as solar cell modules, generate electrical energy from light and are used in a variety of applications, as is well known in the art, eg, outdoor applications. The type of photovoltaic modules can vary. Modules typically have a multi-layer structure, ie several different layers of elements with different functions. The layer elements of the photovoltaic module can vary, taking into account the layer material and layer structure. The final photovoltaic module can be rigid or flexible.

The layer elements exemplified above may be single-layer or multi-layer elements. Typically, the layer elements of a PV module are assembled in their functional order and then laminated together to form an integrated PV module. Additionally, adhesive layers may be present between layers of elements or between elements of different layers.

Photovoltaic (PV) modules may, for example, contain protective front layer elements (such as glass layer elements), front encapsulation layer elements, photovoltaic elements, rear encapsulation layer elements, also known as back layer elements, which may be flexible or rigid, in a given order. ply elements and may be rigid or flexible protective back layer elements; and optionally include, for example, an aluminum frame.

Thus, some or all of the layer elements of a PV module (eg, front and rear encapsulation layer elements, and generally backsheet layers) typically contain polymeric materials, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) based materials.

Due to the nature of one or both layer elements, sometimes the adhesion between the two layer elements after lamination may not be sufficient for the needs required by the desired end application.

There is a continuing need to provide additional layer element compositions to provide advanced solutions for different end-use applications.

attached drawing

Figure 1 shows a photovoltaic (PV) module as one preferred article of the layer element (LE) of the present invention, wherein the PV module comprises the following layer elements (separated in Figure 1 ) of the photovoltaic module in a given order: Protection Front layer element (1), front encapsulation layer element (2), photovoltaic element (3), rear encapsulation layer element (4) and protective back layer element (5), wherein at least the rear encapsulation layer element (4) comprises the A polymer composition, preferably at least one of the layer elements, preferably one or both, preferably both of the front encapsulation layer element (2) and/or the rear encapsulation layer element (4), comprising the layer element (LE) of the invention , preferably consisting of a layer element (LE) of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a laminated glazing element for example for security applications, insulation applications or thermal applications, all of which have meanings well known in the art. In Figure 2, the laminated glass element comprises a first layer element (1), a layer element of the invention (LE) comprising the polymer composition of the invention and a second layer element (2).

Description of the invention

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a polymer composition comprising

- polymer (P);

- units (b) containing silane groups; and

- Hindered amine compounds (HALS) comprising units of formula (A0):

in

R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted ( _C1 -C20)hydrocarbylene group optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-; or A heteroatom from -O-, -N= or -NR-;

R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ and R ₅ are each independently selected from, substituted or unsubstituted optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- The (C1-C20) hydrocarbyl group;

R is selected from substituted or unsubstituted (C1 _- C20)hydrocarbylene groups optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-; as long as R ₆ is attached to a ring atom of the unit of formula (A0) via an atom other than oxygen, -O-;

wherein the number of optional substituents of each of R ₁ to R ₆ is independently selected from 1, 2 or 3, and the number of optional substituents of each of R ₁ to R ₆ is independently selected from (C1-C20 ) hydrocarbyl group, the (C1-C20)hydrocarbyl group may be optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- and the (C1-C20)hydrocarbyl group may be optionally substituted with a (C1-C20)hydrocarbyl group optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-; or =O group; or -N (R) ₂ ;

R is independently selected from H or a linear (C1-C8)alkyl group; and

n is 1 to 20.

Polymer compositions as defined above, below or in the claims are also referred to in this application as "polymer compositions of the invention" or "compositions of the invention" or "polymer compositions".

A silane group-containing unit (b) as defined above, below or in the claims is also referred to in this application as a silane group-containing unit.

A hindered amine compound (HALS) comprising a unit of formula (A0) as defined above, below or in the claims means in this application that the HALS must contain the unit of formula (A0) and wherein the unit of formula (A0) starts with The end groups are terminated to form the final hindered amine compound (HALS) (A), which is also referred to in this application as "HALS of formula (A)", "HALS compound (A)", "HALS(A)" or "HALS".

In the definition of substituents for units of formula (A0), and as described in the HALS of formula (A): the term "hydrocarbylene group" refers to a dihydrocarbylene group formed by the removal of two hydrogen atoms from a hydrocarbon. valent groups whose free valence is not bound to a double bond, e.g. 1,3-phenylene, –CH2CH2CH2–(propane-1,3-diyl), –CH2–(methylene) (according to IUPAC nomenclature) . Furthermore, the term "hydrocarbyl group" refers to a monovalent group formed by removal of a hydrogen atom from a hydrocarbon, eg, ethyl, phenyl (according to IUPAC nomenclature).

It has surprisingly been found that the polymer composition of the present invention with a specific HALS compound (A) is able to provide layer elements (LE) with improved adhesion after lamination on a substrate and, preferably, except after lamination In addition to having improved adhesion directly, it also has improved adhesion after moist heat conditions.

Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the HALS compound (A) has little or even negligible crosslinking activity for silane group-containing polymer compositions.

In addition, if desired, the polymer composition of the invention enables the production of peroxide-free layer elements.

Furthermore, the polymer composition is very suitable for articles such as photovoltaic (PV) modules; for architectural applications, components in vehicles, components in production equipment, components in projection applications, components in furniture, and the like.

In another aspect of the invention there is also provided the use of a polymer composition as defined above or below or in the claims for the production of a layer element (LE) comprising one or more layers, wherein at least one layer comprises The polymer composition of the present invention.

In another aspect, the present invention further provides a layer element (LE) of one or more layers, wherein at least one layer comprises a polymer composition as defined above, below or in the claims. The layer element (LE) of the invention is also referred to in this application as a layer element (LE).

In another aspect, the present invention provides an article comprising the polymer composition. Preferably, the present invention additionally provides an article comprising the layer element (LE) of the present invention.

In another aspect, the present invention further provides the use of a polymer composition as defined above or below or in the claims for the manufacture of an article, preferably a photovoltaic (PV) module, comprising one or more layers, preferably a A layer element (LE) of a layer comprising a polymer composition as defined above or below or in the claims.

The article is preferably an assembly comprising one or more layer elements, wherein at least one layer element is a layer element (LE).

The article is more preferably a photovoltaic (PV) module comprising photovoltaic elements and one or more further layer elements, wherein at least one layer element, preferably one layer element, is a layer element (LE) as defined above or below or in the claims .

The present invention further provides a photovoltaic (PV) module comprising a protective front layer element, a front encapsulation layer element, a photovoltaic element, a rear encapsulation layer element and a protective back layer element in a given order, wherein, preferably, at least one A layer element, preferably one or both, preferably both of the front encapsulation layer element and/or the rear encapsulation layer element, comprises a layer element (LE) of the invention as defined above or below or in the claims, preferably consisting of a layer element (LE) as defined above or the layer elements (LE) of the invention as defined below or in the claims.

The present invention further provides a method for producing an article comprising two or more layer elements, wherein at least one layer element is a layer element (LE) according to the invention, the method comprising the following steps

- assembling a layer element (LE) and one or more further layer elements into an assembly;

- laminating the layer elements of the assembly at an elevated temperature to adhere the elements together; and

- Recovery of the obtained article (as defined above or below or in the claims).

Polymer compositions, polymers (P), HALS, layer elements (LE), articles (preferably PV modules) and methods of the invention for producing articles, together with further details, preferred embodiments, scope and properties thereof, Described below and in the claims, wherein the preferred embodiments, ranges and properties may be combined in any combination and may be combined in any order.

polymer composition

Preferably, HALS(A) is a compound of formula (A1), wherein

R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted ( _C1 -C20)hydrocarbylene group optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-; or a heteroatom selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-;

R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ and R ₅ are each independently selected from: optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or Unsubstituted (C1-C20)hydrocarbyl groups;

R is selected from substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C20)hydrocarbylene groups optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or ₃ heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- ; as long as R ₆ is attached to a ring atom of the unit of formula (A1) via an atom other than oxygen, -O-;

wherein the number of optional substituents of each of R ₁ to R ₆ is independently selected from 1, 2 or 3, and the number of optional substituents of each of R ₁ to R ₆ is independently selected from (C1-C20 ) hydrocarbyl group, the (C1-C20)hydrocarbyl group optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- and the (C1-C20)hydrocarbyl group The group may be optionally substituted with a (C1-C20)hydrocarbyl group optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-; or a =O group ; or -N(R) ₂ ;

R is independently selected from H or a linear (C1-C8)alkyl group; and

n is 2 to 20.

Preferably, HALS(A) is a compound of formula (A2), wherein

R ₁ is selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight, optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Chain or branched (C1-C20) alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted Substituted, unsaturated or partially saturated cyclic (C5-C8)alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heterocycles selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Atomic, substituted or unsubstituted cyclic (C5-C8)arylene groups; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted ( C1-C20) alkylene-cyclo(C5-C8) alkylene groups; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C20 ) alkylene-(C5-C8)arylene group; cyclic (C5-C8)alkylene optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted a radical-(C1-C20)alkylene group; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C5-C8)arylene-(C1 -C20) an alkylene group; or a heteroatom selected from -O- or -NR-;

R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ and R ₅ are each independently selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Substituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched (C1-C20) hydrocarbyl groups;

R ₆ is selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight, optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Chain or branched (C1-C20) alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted Substituted, unsaturated or partially saturated cyclic (C5-C8)alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heterocycles selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Atomic, substituted or unsubstituted cyclic (C5-C8)arylene groups; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted ( C1-C20) alkylene-cyclo(C5-C8) alkylene groups; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C20 ) alkylene-(C5-C8)arylene group; cyclic (C5-C8)alkylene optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted Radical-(C1-C20)alkylene group; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted ring(C5-C8)arylene-( C1-C20) alkylene group; and

wherein the number of optional substituents for each of R1 to R6 is independently selected from ₁ , ₂ or ₃ , and the number of optional substituents for each _of R1 to R6 is independently selected from optionally 1, 2 or 3 heteroatom interrupted, saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched (C1-C20) hydrocarbyl groups selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-; optionally having 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted, unsaturated or partially saturated cyclic (C5-C8)hydrocarbyl group a substituted or unsubstituted (C5-C8)aryl group optionally having 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-; or =O group; or -N(R) ₂ ;

R is independently selected from H or a linear (C1-C8)alkyl group; and

n is 2 to 20.

In a preferred embodiment, the hindered amine compound (HALS) of formula (A) has a pH of 9 or lower, preferably 3 to 8.5, preferably 4 to 8, preferably 5 to 8, more preferably 5.5 to 7.5.

In a preferred embodiment, the hindered amine compound (HALS) of formula (A) has a molecular weight of 300 to 6000, preferably 550 to 5700, preferably 2000 to 5000, preferably 2700 to 4500. The molecular weight of hindered amine compounds (HALS) is generally disclosed in the technical data sheets of commercially available HALS compounds or can be measured using GPC.

In a preferred embodiment, the hindered amine compound (HALS) of formula (A) has 180°C or lower, preferably 15°C to 150°C, preferably 20°C to 100°C, preferably 30°C to 90°C, preferably 40°C to 40°C A Tm of 80°C, most preferably 50°C to 60°C.

Preferably, the HALS is a compound of formula (A3), wherein

R ₁ is selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight, optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Chain or branched (C1-C20) alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted Substituted, unsaturated or partially saturated cyclic (C5-C8)alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heterocycles selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Atomic, substituted or unsubstituted cyclic (C5-C8)arylene groups; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted ( C1-C20) alkylene-cyclo(C5-C8) alkylene groups; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C20 ) alkylene-(C5-C8)arylene group; cyclic (C5-C8)alkylene optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted a radical-(C1-C20)alkylene group; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C5-C8)arylene-(C1 -C20) an alkylene group; or a heteroatom selected from -O- or -NR-;

R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ and R ₅ are each independently selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Substituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched (C1-C20) hydrocarbyl groups;

R ₆ is selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight, optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Chain or branched (C1-C20) alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted Substituted, unsaturated or partially saturated cyclic (C5-C8)alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heterocycles selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Atomic, substituted or unsubstituted cyclic (C5-C8)arylene groups; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted ( C1-C20) alkylene-cyclo(C5-C8) alkylene groups; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C20 ) alkylene-(C5-C8)arylene group; cyclic (C5-C8)alkylene optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted Radical-(C1-C20)alkylene group; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted ring(C5-C8)arylene-( C1-C20) alkylene group; and

wherein the number of optional substituents for each of R1 to R6 is independently selected from ₁ , ₂ or ₃ , and the number of optional substituents for each _of R1 to R6 is independently selected from optionally 1, 2 or 3 heteroatom interrupted, saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched (C1-C20) hydrocarbyl groups selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-; optionally having 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted, unsaturated or partially saturated cyclic (C5-C8)hydrocarbyl group a substituted or unsubstituted (C5-C8)aryl group optionally having 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-; or =O group; or -N(R) ₂ ;

R is independently selected from H or a linear (C1-C8)alkyl group; and

n is 2 to 20.

Preferably, the HALS is a compound of formula (A4), wherein

R ₁ is selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight, optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Chain or branched (C1-C8) alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted, Unsaturated or partially saturated cyclic (C5-C6)alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted Substituted ring(C5-C6)arylene group; optionally interrupted by -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C8)alkylene-ring(C5- C6) alkylene groups; optionally interrupted by -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C8)alkylene-(C5-C6)arylene groups; A substituted or unsubstituted cyclo(C5-C6)alkylene-(C1-C8)alkylene group optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-; optionally A substituted or unsubstituted (C5-C6)arylene-(C1-C8)alkylene group interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-; or selected from -O- or The heteroatom of -NR-;

R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ and R ₅ are each independently selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Substituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched (C1-C8) hydrocarbyl groups;

R ₆ is selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight, optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Chain or branched (C1-C8) alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted, Unsaturated or partially saturated cyclic (C5-C6)alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted Substituted ring(C5-C6)arylene group; optionally interrupted by -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C8)alkylene-ring(C5- C6) alkylene groups; optionally interrupted by -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C8)alkylene-(C5-C6)arylene groups; A substituted or unsubstituted cyclo(C5-C6)alkylene-(C1-C8)alkylene group optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-; optionally a substituted or unsubstituted (C5-C6)arylene-(C1-C8)alkylene group interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-; and

wherein the number of optional substituents for each of R1 to R6 is independently selected from ₁ or ₂ , and the number of optional substituents for each _of R1 to _R6 is independently selected from Optionally selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- 1, 2 or 3 heteroatom interrupted, saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched (C1-C8) hydrocarbyl groups; optionally having a group selected from -N= or -NR- 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms, substituted or unsubstituted, unsaturated or partially saturated cyclic (C5-C6)hydrocarbyl groups; optionally having 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C5-C6) aryl groups; or =O groups; or -N(R) ₂ ;

R is independently selected from H or a linear (C1-C6)alkyl group; and

n is 2 to 20.

In a preferred embodiment of HALS compound (A) or any of its preferred subgroups above or below, R ₆ is linked to the N atom on the ring via —CH ₂ —.

In a preferred embodiment of HALS compound (A) or any one of its preferred subgroups above or below, n is preferably 3 to 15, preferably 4 to 15, preferably 5 to 15, more preferably 6 to 15 15, more preferably 8 to 15, more preferably 10 to 15.

More preferably, HALS compound (A) or any one of its preferred subgroups above or below satisfies one or more or all of the following substituent definitions 1) to 4), in any combination and in any order:

1) R ₁ is preferably -O-;

2) Each of R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ and R ₅ is independently preferably a linear (C1-C6) alkyl group, preferably a linear (C1-C4) alkyl group, preferably a methyl group groups, more preferably each of R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ and R ₅ are the same and are preferably linear (C1-C6) alkyl groups, preferably linear (C1-C4) alkyl groups, most preferably a methyl group;

3) R ₆ is preferably -(CH ₂ ) _x -O-(C=O)-(CH ₂ ) _y -(C=O) (wherein x is 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 4, preferably 1 to 2 and y is 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 4, preferably 1 to 2), most preferably -(CH ₂ ) ₂ -O-(C=O)-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -(C=O) ;and / or

4) n is preferably 3 to 15, preferably 4 to 15, preferably 5 to 15, more preferably 6 to 15, more preferably 8 to 15, more preferably 10 to 15.

More preferably, the HALS compound (A) or any one of its preferred subgroups above or below satisfies all of the above substituent definitions 1) to 4).

In the most preferred embodiment, the HALS compound (A) is of formula (A5), wherein

-R ₁ is -O-;

- each of R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ and R ₅ is independently methyl;

-R ₆ is -CH ₂ -CH ₂ -OC(=O)-CH ₂ -CH ₂ -C(C=O)-; and

-n is 3 to 15, preferably 4 to 15, preferably 5 to 15, more preferably 6 to 15, more preferably 8 to 15, more preferably 10 to 15.

In a preferred embodiment of HALS compound (A) or any of its preferred subgroups above or below, wherein the terminal group terminating the unit _of formula (A0) is: terminal _R7 , which is linked to R1 and is an -H group; and R ₈ , which is linked to R ₆ and is an -OH group. Therefore, the HALS compound (A) is preferably a compound of formula (A6).

wherein R1 to R6 are as defined above or in the claims, including preferred subgroups in any order _; and _R7 is _an -H group and _R8 is an -OH group.

The HALS of formula (A) and any subgroups thereof are preferably produced by polycondensation, wherein _H2O is removed during the reaction of the monomers.

HALS of formula (A) can be produced in a manner known from the chemical literature or are commercially available.

A preferred HALS of formula (A) has cas number 65447-77-0. The chemical name of the HALS of the formula (A) is a polymer of dimethyl succinate and 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidineethanol. This compound is commercially available from a number of suppliers under various trade names depending on the supplier.

The amount of HALS(A) is preferably from 0.01% to 1.0% by weight, preferably from 0.01% to 0.5% by weight, preferably from 0.02% to 0.4% by weight, preferably from 0.02% to 0.4% by weight, based on the amount of polymer composition (100% by weight) 0.03 to 0.3% by weight, preferably 0.05 to 0.25% by weight.

Preferably, the polymer composition as defined above or below comprises only one or more, more preferably one hindered amine compound (HALS) as defined above or below. Hindered amine compounds (HALS) which do not fall within the definition as defined above or below are preferably excluded from the polymer composition as defined above or below.

Preferably, the polymer (P) is a polyethylene polymer.

Units (b) containing silane groups may exist as

- comonomers of polymer (P),

- a compound chemically grafted to the polymer (P), or

- a separate component in the polymer composition.

Preferably, units containing silane groups are incorporated into the polymer (P) as

- a comonomer of polymer (P), or

- Compounds chemically grafted to the polymer (P).

Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the polymer (P) is

- polymers of ethylene (a) selected from

-(a1) polymers of ethylene with comonomers containing silane groups;

-(a2) Copolymers of ethylene with one or more polar comonomers selected from (C1-C6)-alkyl acrylate comonomers or (C1-C6) - an alkyl acrylate (C1-C6)-alkyl ester comonomer, the copolymer (a2) bearing units containing silane groups and the copolymer (a2) is different from the polymer (a1) of ethylene; or

- (a3) copolymers of ethylene with one or more (C1-C10)-α-olefin comonomers, the copolymers of ethylene (a3) being different from polymers of ethylene (a1) and polymers of ethylene (a2) .

The polymer (a) of ethylene as defined above, below or in the claims is also abbreviated in this application as "polymer (a)".

Polymers (a1) of ethylene with comonomers containing silane groups, as defined above, below or in the claims, are also referred to in this application as "polymers (a1) of ethylene" or "polymers (a1)" for short. a1)".

Ethylene as defined above, below or in the claims, with comonomers selected from (C1-C6)-alkyl acrylates or (C1-C6)-alkyl acrylates (C1-C6)-alkyl acrylates A copolymer (a2) of one or more polar comonomers (the copolymer (a2) carries units containing silane groups and the copolymer (a2) is different from the polymer (a1) of ethylene) in the present Also referred to in the application simply as "copolymer of ethylene (a2)", "copolymer (a2)" or "polymer (a2)".

A copolymer (a3) of ethylene with one or more (C1-C10)-α-olefin comonomers (the polymer thereof with ethylene (a1 ) and a polymer of ethylene as defined above, below or in the claims (a2) different) is also abbreviated as "polymer (a3)" in this application.

As is well known, "comonomer" refers to copolymerizable comonomer units.

Thus, in the case where a silane group-containing unit is incorporated as a comonomer into polymer (a), the silane group-containing unit as a comonomer is copolymerized with a vinyl monomer during the polymerization of polymer (a) . In the case where the silane group-containing unit is incorporated into the polymer by grafting, after the polymerization of polymer (a), the silane group-containing unit is chemically reacted with polymer (a) (also referred to as grafting). The chemical reaction (ie, grafting) is typically carried out using free radical formers such as peroxides. This chemical reaction can be carried out before or during the lamination process of the present invention. In general, the copolymerization and grafting of silane group-containing units with ethylene is a well-known technique and is well documented in the polymer arts and within the skill of the skilled artisan.

It is also well known that the use of peroxides in grafted embodiments reduces the melt flow rate (MFR) of ethylene polymers due to simultaneous crosslinking reactions. As a result, the grafting embodiment can impose constraints on the choice of MFR of polymer (a) as the starting polymer, which can have a detrimental effect on the quality of the polymer in end-use applications. In addition, by-products formed from peroxides during the grafting process can have a detrimental effect on the useful life of the polymer composition in the final application.

Preferably, therefore, units containing silane groups are present in polymer (a) as comonomers. That is, in the case of the polymer (a1), in the polymerization process of the polymer (a1), a silane group-containing unit is copolymerized as a comonomer together with a vinyl monomer. And in the case of the polymer (a2), in the polymerization process of the polymer (a2), a unit containing a silane group is copolymerized as a comonomer together with a polar comonomer and a vinyl monomer.

In the context of the present application, above, below or in the claims, "a silane group-containing comonomer" means that a silane group-containing unit is present as a comonomer.

The unit containing a silane group of the polymer (a) of ethylene, or preferably a comonomer containing a silane group, is preferably a hydrolyzable unsaturated silane compound represented by the formula (I):

R1SiR2qY3-q (I)

in

R1 is an ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbyl, hydrocarbyloxy or (meth)acryloyloxy hydrocarbyl group,

Each R2 is independently an aliphatic saturated hydrocarbyl group,

Y may be the same or different, is a hydrolyzable organic group, and

q is 0, 1 or 2.

Further, suitable silane group-containing units (preferably comonomers) are, for example, γ-(meth)acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-(meth)acryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane Ethoxysilane and vinyltriacetoxysilane, or a combination of two or more of the above.

A suitable subgroup of the silane compound of formula (I) is an unsaturated silane compound of formula (II), or preferably a comonomer

CH2=CHSi(OA)3 (II)

wherein each A is independently a hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, suitably 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

When a unit containing a silane group is incorporated as a comonomer (preferably a comonomer of formula (I), preferably a comonomer of formula (II)) into the final polymer (a), then the comonomer's Unsaturation, preferably vinyl functionality, is incorporated into the polymer via a free radical polymerization process whereby the two C atoms of the comonomer become part of the backbone of the final polymer (a) (as is well known to the skilled person) of). Whereas in grafting, polymer (a) is first polymerized as a polymer and by grafting units containing silane groups (preferably silane compounds of formula (I), preferably silane compounds of formula (II)) with peroxides The final polymer is obtained whereby one of the C atoms with vinyl unsaturation is attached to the polymer backbone (as is well known to the skilled person). Thus, it is apparent to those skilled in the polymer arts that the branch to which the silane group is attached is one carbon atom shorter than the branch formed by grafting. A possible implication of this would be that the grafted silane extends further outward from the polymer backbone and becomes more reactive than the copolymerized polymer.

Furthermore, copolymerization of silane group-containing units as comonomers into the polymer backbone provides more uniform incorporation of units compared to grafting of units. Copolymerized silane groups are distributed depending on the reaction ratio between silane, ethylene and other monomers, whereas the grafting process provides polymers in which the silane groups cannot be incorporated in an arbitrarily controlled distribution. In other words, when a silane group-containing unit is incorporated as a comonomer into the polymer backbone of a polyolefin copolymer (preferably a polyethylene copolymer), the resulting copolymer is a homogeneous "random copolymer (the term has a well-known meaning)" (compared to the more uneven distribution of grafted silane group-containing units). Furthermore, in contrast to grafting, the copolymerization does not require the addition of peroxide after the production of the polymer.

The silane group-containing units (or preferably comonomers) of the present invention are preferably compounds of formula (II), which are vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyldimethoxyethoxysilane, vinyltriethyl Oxysilane, more preferably vinyltrimethoxysilane or vinyltriethoxysilane, more preferably vinyltrimethoxysilane, comonomer.

The amount (mol %) of silane group-containing units present (preferably as comonomers) in polymer (a) when determined according to the "Comonomer Content" as described below under "Determination Methods" ) is preferably from 0.01 mol% to 2.0 mol%, preferably from 0.01 mol% to 1.00 mol%, suitably from 0.05 mol% to 0.80 mol%, suitably from 0.10 mol% to 0.60 mol%, suitably from 0.10 mol% to 0.50 mol%.

In one embodiment (A1) of the polymer (a), the polymer (a) is a polymer (a1) of ethylene with a silane group-containing comonomer. In this embodiment (A1) of polymer (a), polymer (a1) does not contain (ie, does not) contain polar comonomers as defined for polymer (a2). Preferably, the silane group-containing comonomer is the only comonomer present in polymer (a1). Thus, preferably, polymer (a1) is produced by copolymerizing vinyl monomers using free radical initiators in the presence of comonomers containing silane groups in a high pressure polymerization process. Preferably, the silane group-containing comonomer is the only comonomer present in the polymer (a1) of ethylene.

In this preferred embodiment (A1) of polymer (a), polymer (a1) is preferably a copolymer of ethylene with the following comonomers: silane group-containing comonomers according to formula (I), more Preferred are comonomers containing silane groups according to formula (II), more preferably comonomers containing silane groups according to formula (II) selected from the group consisting of vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomers, Vinyldimethoxyethoxysilane comonomer, vinyltriethoxysilane comonomer or vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer, as defined above or in the claims. Most preferably, polymer (a1) is a copolymer of ethylene with the following comonomers: vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer, vinyldimethoxyethoxysilane comonomer, vinyltriethoxy Silane comonomer or vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer, preferably vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer or vinyltriethoxysilane comonomer, most preferably vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer.

In another embodiment (A2) of polymer (a), polymer (a) is a copolymer (a2) of ethylene with one or more polar comonomers, the one or more polar copolymers The monomers are selected from acrylic acid (C1-C6)-alkyl ester comonomers or (C1-C6)-alkyl acrylic acid (C1-C6)-alkyl ester comonomers, the copolymer (a2) with a silane containing unit of the group. In this embodiment (A2) of the copolymer (a), the polymer (a2) is ethylene with a silane group-containing comonomer and one or more, preferably one polar comonomer selected from Copolymer of: acrylic acid (C1-C6)-alkyl ester comonomer or (C1-C6)-alkyl acrylic acid (C1-C6)-alkyl ester comonomer. Preferably, the polar comonomer of the polymer (a2) of ethylene is selected from one of acrylic acid (C1-C6)-alkyl ester comonomers, preferably from methyl acrylate comonomer, ethyl acrylate comonomer or butyl acrylate comonomer. More preferably, polymer (a2) is ethylene with polar comonomers (selected from methyl acrylate comonomers, ethyl acrylate comonomers or butyl acrylate comonomers) and silane group-containing comonomers the copolymer. Polymer (a2) is most preferably a silane group containing ethylene with a polar comonomer (selected from methyl acrylate comonomer, ethyl acrylate comonomer or butyl acrylate comonomer) and a compound of formula (I) A copolymer of a group of comonomers. Preferably, in this embodiment, the polar comonomers and preferably the silane group-containing comonomers are the only comonomers present in the copolymer (a2) of ethylene.

In another embodiment (A3) of polymer (a), polymer (a) is polymer (a3), polymer (a3) is ethylene with one or more, preferably one selected from (C1- A polymer of comonomers of C8)-alpha-olefin comonomers.

Most preferably, polymer (a) is selected from polymer (a1) or polymer (a2).

The content of polar comonomer present in polymer (a2) is preferably from 0.5 mol% to 30.0 mol%, from 2.5 mol% to 20.0 mol%, preferably 4.5 mol% to 18 mol%, preferably 5.0 mol% to 18.0 mol%, preferably 6.0 mol% to 18.0 mol%, preferably 6.0 mol% to 16.5 mol%, more preferably 6.8 mol% to 15.0 mol %, more preferably 7.0 mol % to 13.5 mol %.

In this further preferred embodiment (A2) of polymer (a), polymer (a2) is preferably a copolymer of ethylene with polar comonomers as defined above, below or in the claims and the following silane group-containing Copolymers of monomers: silane group-containing comonomers according to formula (I), more preferably silane group-containing comonomers according to formula (II), more preferably selected from the following according to formula (II) Comonomers containing silane groups: vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer, vinyldimethoxyethoxysilane comonomer, vinyltriethoxysilane comonomer, or vinyltrimethoxysilane Comonomers (as defined above or in the claims). Preferably, polymer (a2) is a copolymer of ethylene with methyl acrylate comonomer, ethyl acrylate comonomer or butyl acrylate comonomer and the following comonomers: vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer, vinyldimethoxyethoxysilane comonomer, vinyltriethoxysilane comonomer or vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer, preferably vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer or vinyltriethyl Oxysilane comonomer. More preferably, polymer (a2) is a copolymer of ethylene with methyl acrylate comonomer and the following comonomers: vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer, vinyldimethoxyethoxysilane comonomer , vinyltriethoxysilane comonomer or vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer, preferably vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer or vinyltriethoxysilane comonomer, more preferably vinyltrimethoxysilane base silane.

Thus, polymer (a2) is most preferably a copolymer of ethylene with methyl acrylate comonomer and a silane group-containing comonomer as defined above, below or in the claims, preferably ethylene with methyl acrylate Copolymers of comonomers and the following comonomers: vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomers or vinyltriethoxysilane comonomers, preferably methyl acrylate comonomers and vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomers .

Without being bound by any theory, methyl acrylate (MA) is the only acrylate that cannot undergo ester pyrolysis, as it does not have this reaction pathway. Thus, polymer (a2) with MA comonomer does not form deleterious acid (acrylic acid) degradation products on the polymer backbone at elevated temperatures, whereby polymer (a2) with ethylene and methyl acrylate comonomer has contribute to the good quality and life cycle of its final product. For example, this does not happen with the vinyl acetate units of EVA because of the formation of detrimental acetic acid degradation products of EVA at high temperatures. Additionally, other acrylates such as ethyl acrylate (EA) or butyl acrylate (BA) can undergo ester pyrolysis and, if degraded, can form volatile olefin by-products and generate acidic groups on the polymer backbone group.

If desired, the presence of polymer (a) in at least one layer of the layer element (LE) can reduce the MFR of polymer (a) (compared to the prior art) and is therefore in the preferred layer element (LE) of the present invention Provides high resistance to flow during the production process. As a result, the preferred MFR can further contribute to the quality of the layer element (LE) and articles comprising the layer element (LE), if desired.

The polymer composition, preferably polymer (a), has a melt flow rate MFR ₂ of preferably less than 20 g/10min, preferably less than 15 g/10min, preferably from 0.1 g/10min to 13 g/10min, preferably from 0.2 g/10min to 10 g/ 10min, preferably from 0.3g/10min to 8g/10min, more preferably from 0.4g/10min to 6g/10min (according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and under 2.16kg load).

If desired, the preferred MFR of the polymer composition (preferably polymer (a)) can further contribute to the preferred layer elements (LE), articles (preferably articles comprising the preferred layer elements (LE)) of the present invention. quality. Furthermore, if desired, the polymer (a) of the present invention may have a low MFR, eg, a lower MFR than conventionally used in the field of photovoltaic (PV) modules, since polymer (a) has a The adhesion properties combine favorable flow properties and processability properties.

The composition, preferably polymer (a), preferably has 120°C or lower, preferably 110°C or lower, more preferably 100°C or lower and most preferably, when measured according to ASTM D3418 as described under "Determination Methods" Melting temperature Tm of 95°C or lower. Preferably, the composition (more preferably polymer (a)) has a melting temperature of 70°C or higher, more preferably 75°C or higher, even more preferably 78°C, when measured according to as described below under "Assay Method" °C or higher. The preferred melting temperature is beneficial, for example, in the preferred layer element (LE) lamination process of the present invention, since the time of the melting/softening step can be reduced.

Typically and preferably, the composition of the intermediate layer element, preferably the polymer (a) of ethylene, has a density above 860 kg/m3. Preferably, the density is not higher than 970 kg/m3, and preferably from 920 to 960 kg/m3, according to ISO 1872-2, as described below under "Determination Methods".

Preferred polymers (a) are polymers (a1) of ethylene with vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomers or copolymers (a2) of ethylene with methyl acrylate comonomers and vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomers . The most preferred polymer (a) is a copolymer (a2) of ethylene with methyl methacrylate comonomer and vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer.

Polymer (a) of the composition may be, for example, commercially available, or may be prepared according to or analogously to known polymerization processes described in the chemical literature.

In a preferred embodiment, the polymer (a), i.e. the polymer (a1) or the polymer (a2), is obtained by combining ethylene with the above-mentioned silane group-containing comonomer (= silane group-containing unit as a comonomer is produced by suitable polymerization, and in the case of polymer (a2) also using polar comonomers, using free radical polymerization in the presence of one or more initiators in a high pressure (HP) process and A chain transfer agent (CTA) is optionally used to control the MFR of the polymer. The HP reactor can be, for example, the well-known tubular or autoclave reactors or mixtures thereof, suitably tubular reactors. Depending on the desired end application, high pressure (HP) polymerization and adjustment of process conditions for further tailoring of other properties of the polymer are well known and described in the literature, and can be readily used by the skilled person. Suitable polymerization temperatures range up to 400°C, suitably 80°C to 350°C and pressures are from 70MPa to 400MPa, suitably from 100MPa to 400MPa, suitably from 100MPa to 350MPa. The high pressure polymerization is usually carried out at a pressure of 100 MPa to 400 MPa and a temperature of 80°C to 350°C. Such processes are well known and well documented in the literature and will be described further below.

The comonomer (including the preferred form of the silane group-containing unit as a comonomer, when present) incorporated into the vinyl monomer and controlled comonomer feed to achieve the desired final level of this comonomer can be This is done in a well-known manner and within the skill of the skilled person.

第7181-7184页。Additional details on the production of ethylene (co)polymers by high pressure free radical polymerization can be found in: Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering, Vol. 6, (1986), pp. 383-410, and Encyclopedia of Materials: Science and Technology, 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd.: "Polyethylene: High-pressure, R. Klimesch, D. Littmann and F.-O.

Pages 7181-7184.

This HP polymerization results in a so-called low density ethylene polymer (LDPE), which in this application results in polymer (a1 ) or polymer (a2). The term LDPE has a well-known meaning in the polymer art and describes the nature of polyethylene produced in HP (ie, typical features such as different branched structures) to link LDPE with olefin polymerization catalysts (also known as coordination The PE produced in the presence of catalyst) is distinguished. Although the term LDPE is an abbreviation for low density polyethylene, it should be understood that the term is not used to limit the density range, but covers LDPE-like HP polyethylenes with low, medium and higher densities.

Polymer (a3) may be commercially available or produced in a polymerization process using a coordination catalyst, typically a Ziegler-Natta catalyst or a single site catalyst (as well documented in the literature). The choice of process, process conditions and catalyst is within the skill of the skilled person.

Hereinafter, "amount based on the polymer composition of the present invention (100% by weight)" refers to the amount of the components present in the polymer composition of the present invention, which is 100% by weight in total.

In one embodiment, the compositions of the present invention suitably comprise additives other than HALS(A). Preferably, based on the total amount of the composition (100% by weight), the composition comprises

- 0.0001% to 10.0% by weight of additives, preferably 0.0001% and 5.0% by weight, such as 0.0001% by weight and 2.5% by weight of additives other than HALS(A), and optionally

- 0 to 40.0% by weight of pigments.

If present, the preferred amount of pigment is from 0.10 to 40.0% by weight, suitably from 0.20 to 40.0% by weight, preferably from 0.3 to 30.0% by weight, preferably from 0.3 to 25.0% by weight, preferably From 0.30 wt% to 20.0 wt%, more preferably from 0.30 wt% to 15.0 wt%.

The optional pigments are preferably selected from inorganic pigments, preferably from inorganic white pigments. More preferably, the optional pigment is titanium dioxide _TiO2 . The titanium dioxide _TiO2 is preferably in the form of rutile. Rutile is a mineral based primarily on titanium dioxide and has a tetragonal cell structure well known in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the polymer composition comprises, preferably consists of:

- polymers (P) bearing units containing silane groups;

- HALS(A) in an amount of 0.01% to 1.0% by weight, based on the amount of the polymer composition (100% by weight); and

- optional additives, preferably 0.0001 to 10 wt% additives, preferably 0.0001 wt% and 5.0 wt% (eg 0.0001 wt% and 2.5 wt%) of additives other than HALS(A).

Of course, the preferred additives also differ from polymer (a) or optional pigments.

Optional additives other than HALS(A) or optional pigments are eg conventional additives suitable for the desired end application and within the skill of the skilled person, including but not limited to: preferably at least antioxidants, UV light stabilizers and/or UV light absorbers, and may also include metal passivators, clarifying agents, brighteners, acid scavengers, slip agents, and the like. The optional additives preferably do not include any phosphite-containing additives. The optional antioxidants generally do not include hindered phenolic antioxidants. Each additive may be used, for example, in conventional amounts, the total amount of additives present in the polymer composition of the present invention preferably being the amounts described above. Such additives are generally commercially available and are described eg in "Plastic Additives Handbook" by Hans Zweifel, 5th edition, 2001.

In a preferred embodiment, the polymer composition consists of polymer (a) as the only polymer component. If any of the HALS, optional additives or optional pigments are present in a so-called masterbatch in the composition, the "polymer component" in this application does not include HALS, optional additives or optional pigments Any carrier polymer for pigments, such as carrier polymers. The optional carrier polymer is calculated as the amount of the corresponding HALS, additives and/or pigments, based on the amount of polymer composition (100% by weight).

If desired, the polymer composition, preferably polymer (a), can be cross-linked.

The polymer composition, preferably polymer (a), is preferably not crosslinked using peroxide. Preferably, the polymer composition is free of peroxides.

If desired, depending on the end application, before or during the lamination process of the present invention, the polymer composition of the article, preferably the polymer composition of the layer element (LE), preferably the polymer (a) of the layer element (LE) , can be crosslinked via units containing silane groups using a silanol condensation catalyst (SCC), preferably selected from the group of carboxylates of tin, zinc, iron, lead or cobalt , or aromatic organic sulfonic acids. The SCC is, for example, commercially available.

It will be appreciated that the SCCs defined above are those conventionally supplied for cross-linking purposes.

The silanol condensation catalyst (SCC) optionally present in the polymer composition, preferably the polymer composition of the layer element (LE), is more preferably selected from group C consisting of metals such as tin, carboxylates of zinc, iron, lead and cobalt); titanium compounds (preferably as described in WO 2011/160964 to Borealis, which is incorporated herein by reference) with groups hydrolyzable to Bronsted acids organic bases; inorganic acids; and organic acids; suitably selected from carboxylates of metals such as tin, zinc, iron, lead, and cobalt, with compounds hydrolyzable to Bronsted Titanium compounds or organic acids of acid groups, preferably selected from dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTL), dioctyltin dilaurate (DOTL), especially DOTL; or aromatic organic sulfonic acids, suitably Organic sulfonic acids containing the following structural elements:

Ar(SO ₃ H) _x (III)

wherein Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and if substituted, suitably at least one hydrocarbyl group having up to 50 carbon atoms, and x is at least 1; or formula (III ) sulfonic acid precursors (including their anhydrides) or sulfonic acids of formula (III) with hydrolyzable protecting groups (eg, acetyl groups removable by hydrolysis). Such organic sulfonic acids are described, for example, in EP736065, or alternatively in EP1309631 and EP1309632.

If present, the amount of optional cross-linking agent (SCC) is preferably 0 to 0.1 mol/kg, such as 0.00001 to 0.1 mol/kg, preferably 0.0001 to 0.01 mol/kg, more preferably 0.0001 to 0.01 mol/kg 0.0002 mol/kg to 0.005 mol/kg, more preferably 0.0005 mol/kg to 0.005 mol/kg of ethylene polymer (a). Preferably, no cross-linking agent (SCC) is present in the polymer composition.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a silane condensation catalyst (SCC) selected from the SCC group of group C, consisting of organotin catalysts or aromatic organic sulfonic acids, is absent in the polymer composition. In another preferred embodiment, no peroxide or silane condensation catalyst (SCC) as defined above is present in the polymer composition. That is, preferably, the polymer composition is free of peroxides and free of "Group C Silane Condensation Catalysts (SCC)". As already mentioned, with the current polymer compositions of the present invention, cross-linking of polymer compositions using conventional SCC or peroxides (as mentioned above, below or in the claims) can be avoided, which helps Good quality for realizing its end application (eg, the layer element (LE) of the present invention).

The present invention provides the use of a polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims for the production of a layer element (LE) comprising one or more layers comprising the polymer composition.

The present invention also provides the use of the polymer composition for the production of articles comprising layer elements (LE).

Layer Elements (LEs)/Articles of the Invention and Their End Uses

The present invention also provides a layer element (LE) comprising one or more layers, wherein at least one layer comprises, preferably consists of, the polymer composition of the invention, the polymer composition of the invention Include

- polymer (P);

- units (b) containing silane groups; and

- Hindered amine compounds (HALS) comprising units of formula (A0) (as defined above and in the claims).

The layer elements (LE) are preferably selected from

- a monolayer element comprising a polymer composition as defined above, below or in the claims;

- Multilayer element, wherein at least one layer comprises a polymer composition as defined above, below or in the claims.

Preferably, one or more layers of the layer element (LE) of the invention consist of the polymer composition of the invention. More preferably, one layer of the layer element (LE) comprises, preferably consists of, the polymer composition. A preferred layer element (LE) is a monolayer element comprising the polymer composition of the invention, preferably consisting of the polymer composition of the invention.

The present invention also provides an article comprising the polymer composition of the present invention.

Preferably, the article comprises a layer element (LE) comprising, preferably consisting of, the polymer composition of the invention comprising the polymer composition of the invention

- polymer (P);

- units (b) containing silane groups; and

- Hindered amine compounds (HALS) comprising units of formula (A0) (as defined above and in the claims).

A layer element (LE) may be part of an article, eg, a layer of any shape in a molded article (such as a bottle or container), such as the article is a label; or the article is a layer element (LE), i.e., composed of a layer element (LE) composition, which is, for example, a single-layer or multi-layer film for packaging or thermoforming; or the article is an assembly of two or more layer elements, wherein at least one layer element is a layer element (LE) according to the invention ).

It will be appreciated that some or each of the layer elements of the assembly of the present invention typically and preferably provides a different functionality to the assembly.

Preferred layer elements (LE), preferably layer elements (LE) of the article, are monolayer elements comprising, preferably consisting of, a polymer composition as defined above, below or in the claims.

The article is preferably an assembly comprising two or more layer elements, wherein at least one layer element is a layer element (LE). A photovoltaic (PV) module is one example of such an assembly comprising layer elements of different functionality.

Another non-limiting example of an article as a component is: an article for architectural applications, such as elements in buildings, eg architectural elements, such as exterior/interior elements, such as exterior wall elements, window elements, doors for the exterior of buildings Elements or interior wall elements, etc.; articles for elements in bridges; articles for elements in vehicles, such as windows in automobiles, trains, airplanes, or ships, etc.; articles for elements in production equipment, such as machines safety windows, etc. in production equipment; articles for use in elements in production equipment, such as safety windows in machines; articles for elements in household appliances; articles for projection applications, such as head-up displays; or elements in furniture The article of manufacture, etc.; the article as a component is not limited to the applications mentioned above, comprising layer elements (LE) as defined above, below or in the claims. Figure 2 shows these other embodiments of components of the article, eg laminated glass elements for safety applications, insulation applications or thermal applications (all applications have well known meanings). In Figure 2, the laminated glass element comprises a first layer element (1), a layer element of the invention (LE) comprising the polymer composition of the invention and a second layer element (2).

Articles, preferably assemblies, preferably photovoltaic (PV) modules comprising photovoltaic elements and one or more further layer elements, wherein at least one layer element is a layer element (LE) according to the invention, a layer element (LE) according to the invention comprising, preferably consisting of, a polymer composition comprising

- polymer (P);

- units (b) containing silane groups; and

- Hindered amine compounds (HALS) comprising units of formula (A0) (as defined above and in the claims).

Preferably, the photovoltaic (PV) module of the present invention comprises a protective front layer element, a front encapsulation layer element, a photovoltaic element, a rear encapsulation layer element and a protective back layer element in a given order, wherein at least one layer element is a layer of the present invention element (LE).

It should be understood that in this application the protective front layer elements and the front encapsulation layer elements of the PV module are on the light receiving side of the photovoltaic (PV) module.

The protective back layer element is also referred to in this application as a back plane layer element.

"Photovoltaic element" means that the element is photoelectrically active. The photovoltaic element may be, for example, an element of a photovoltaic cell, which has the meaning well known in the art. Silicon-based materials (eg, crystalline silicon) are non-limiting examples of materials used in photovoltaic cells. As is well known to the skilled artisan, crystalline silicon materials can vary in crystallinity and crystal size. Alternatively, the photovoltaic element may be: a substrate layer on one surface of which is formed another layer or deposit having photoelectric activity, such as a glass layer, on one side of which is printed a photoelectrically active ink material; Or a base layer, on one side of which a photoelectrically active material is deposited. For example, in well-known thin-film solutions for photovoltaic elements, for example, a photoelectrically active ink is printed on one side of a substrate, typically a glass substrate.

The photovoltaic element is most preferably an element of a photovoltaic cell.

"Photovoltaic cell" in this application refers to the layer element of the photovoltaic cell as explained above together with the connector.

The PV module may optionally contain a protective cover as a further layer element, which may be eg a metal frame, such as an aluminium frame (with a junction box), in a given sequence, after the backplane layer element.

All terms have their meanings well known in the art.

The materials of the above elements, which differ from the polymer composition of the layer element (LE), are well known in the art and can be selected by the skilled person according to the desired PV module.

It is well known that the elements and layer structures of the photovoltaic modules of the present invention may vary depending on the type of PV module desired. Photovoltaic modules can be rigid or flexible. Rigid photovoltaic modules may, for example, contain rigid protective front layer elements (such as glass elements), front encapsulation layer elements, photovoltaic layer elements, rear encapsulation layer elements, and backsheet layer elements (which may be rigid or flexible). In a flexible module, all of the above elements are flexible, whereby the protective front layer elements and the protective back layer elements and the front encapsulation layer elements and the rear encapsulation layer elements are typically based on polymer layer elements.

Furthermore, any of the above layer elements of the PV module may be a single layer element or a multi-layer element. Preferably, at least one or both of the front encapsulation layer elements and the rear encapsulation layer elements of the PV module are encapsulated monolayer elements.

The most preferred embodiment of the photovoltaic (PV) module as an article of manufacture of the present invention is a photovoltaic (PV) module comprising the following layer elements in the given order: protective front layer element, front encapsulation layer element, photovoltaic element, rear encapsulation layer element and a protective back layer element, wherein the front encapsulation layer element or the rear encapsulation layer element, or both the front encapsulation layer element and the rear encapsulation layer element, is a layer element (LE) of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the other layer elements of the PV module preferably comprise, preferably consist of, a polymer composition different from the polymer composition of the invention.

More preferably, the front encapsulation layer element and the rear encapsulation layer element preferably comprise, preferably consist of, layer elements (LE), which are preferably monolayer elements comprising the combination of the invention composition, preferably consisting of the composition of the present invention.

By way of non-limiting example only, the thickness of the front and rear encapsulation layer elements is typically up to 2 mm, preferably up to 1 mm, typically 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm.

By way of non-limiting example only, the thickness of the rigid protective front layer element (eg glass layer) is typically up to 10 mm, preferably up to 8 mm, preferably 2 to 4 mm. By way of non-limiting example only, the thickness of a flexible protective front layer element (eg a polymer (multi)layer element) is typically up to 700 μm, such as 90 μm to 700 μm, suitably 100 μm to 500 μm, such as 100 μm to 400 μm.

By way of non-limiting example only, photovoltaic elements (eg, elements of monocrystalline photovoltaic cells) are typically between 100 microns and 500 microns thick.

In some embodiments, there may be adhesive layers ( as well known in the art). The adhesive layer has the function of improving the adhesion between the two elements and has a meaning well known in the lamination art. The adhesive layer is distinct from other functional layer elements of the PV module (eg, as specified above, below, or in the claims, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art). Preferably, there is no adhesive layer between the protective front layer element and the front encapsulation layer element, and/or, preferably, there is no adhesive layer between the protective back layer element and the rear encapsulation layer element. Preferably, there is no adhesive layer between the layer elements (LE) of the PV module as front encapsulation layer elements and the photovoltaic elements. Preferably, there is no adhesive layer between the layer elements (LE) of the PV module as rear encapsulation layer elements and the photovoltaic elements. Further preferably, there is no adhesive layer between the layers of the optional multilayer element of the layer element (LE). In a preferred embodiment, the layer element (LE) is a single-layer element.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a preferred PV module of the present invention comprising a protective front layer element (1), a front encapsulation layer element (2), a photovoltaic element (3), a rear encapsulation layer element (4) and a protection Backing element (5). In a preferred embodiment, the rear encapsulation layer element (4) or the front encapsulation layer element (2), or and preferably the front encapsulation layer element (2) and the rear encapsulation layer element (4), comprise the polymer combination of the invention compound, preferably consisting of the polymer composition of the present invention.

Individual layer elements of a PV module can be produced in a manner well known in the photovoltaic field or from the literature; or are already commercially available as layer elements of a PV module. PV layer elements of layer elements (LE), preferably layer elements (LE) as front encapsulation layer elements, and preferably layer elements (LE) as rear encapsulation layer elements) can be produced as described below.

It will also be appreciated that a portion of the layer elements may be in unitary form, ie two or more of the PV elements may be formed together, eg by lamination, prior to undergoing the preferred lamination process of the present invention described below.

For example, if desired, prior to arranging the layer elements of the PV module into an assembly and the PV elements of the assembly being integrated (typically, laminated together), the rear encapsulation layer elements may be extruded, or laminated, or any other way around. In combination, it is integral with the protective backing layer element (ie, the backplane layer element).

The present invention further provides a method for producing a layer element (LE), wherein the layer element (LE) is produced by extrusion, typically using conventional extruders as described in the literature. Selection of extrusion conditions is within the skill of the technician. Preferably, the monolayer or multilayer layer elements (preferably monolayer elements) as layer elements (LE) are produced by cast film extrusion.

The present invention further provides a method for producing an article of the invention (preferably for producing an assembly as defined above, below or in the claims) by lamination, the method comprising:

(i) an assembly step of arranging the layer element (LE) of the invention, preferably forming an assembly with at least one further layer element;

(ii) a heating step of heating the formed assembly (optionally and preferably in a chamber under vacuum conditions);

(iii) a pressing step that establishes and maintains pressure on the assembly under heated conditions so that lamination of the assembly occurs; and

(iv) A recovery step of cooling and removing the obtained article comprising the laminate assembly.

The following process conditions of the lamination method are preferably used to produce the photovoltaic (PV) modules of the present invention and can be combined in any order.

The preferred method for producing the PV modules of the present invention is a lamination method, wherein the different functional layer elements of the PV module (typically prefabricated layer elements) are laminated to form a unitary final PV module.

The invention therefore also provides a preferred lamination method for producing photovoltaic (PV) modules comprising protective front layer elements, front encapsulation layer elements, photovoltaic elements, rear encapsulation layer elements in a given order and a protective back layer element, wherein at least the front encapsulation layer element or the rear encapsulation layer element, preferably both the front encapsulation layer element and the rear encapsulation layer element, are layer elements (LE) according to the invention, the layer elements (LE) according to the invention comprising a polymer composition, preferably consisting of a polymer composition comprising

- polymer (P);

- units (b) containing silane groups; and

- Hindered amine compounds (HALS) comprising units of formula (A0) (as defined above and in the claims);

Wherein the method includes the following steps:

(i) arranging the assembly steps of the protective front layer element, the front encapsulation layer element, the photovoltaic element, the rear encapsulation layer element and the protective back layer element in a given order to form a photovoltaic module assembly;

(ii) a heating step of heating the photovoltaic module assembly, optionally in a chamber under vacuum conditions;

(iii) a pressing step that establishes and maintains pressure on the photovoltaic module assembly under heated conditions such that lamination of the assembly occurs; and

(iv) A recycling step of cooling and removing the obtained photovoltaic modules for subsequent use.

In the present application, it is understood that a portion of the layer elements of the assembly may be integrated, for example by pre-lamination or (co)extrusion, before undergoing the lamination process of the article, preferably the PV module.

The lamination process is carried out in laminator equipment, which can be, for example, any conventional laminator suitable for the multilayer laminate to be laminated. The choice of laminator is within the skill of the technician. Typically, a laminator comprises a chamber in which the heating steps (optional and preferably evacuation), pressing steps and recovery steps (including cooling steps) (ii)-(iv) take place.

In a preferred lamination method of the present invention:

- at least one of the current encapsulating layer element and the rear encapsulating layer element is higher than the polymer (P) (preferably vinylic) present in the layer element (LE) (preferably the layer element (LE) in the rear encapsulating layer element) Compression step (iii) is initiated when the melting temperature of polymer (a)) is at least 3°C to 10°C above the temperature; and

- The total duration of pressing step (iii) is up to 15 minutes.

The duration of heating step (ii) is preferably up to 10 minutes, preferably 3 minutes to 7 minutes. Heating step (ii) can be done stepwise and is typically done stepwise.

Preferably, pressing step (iii) is started when at least one layer element reaches a temperature 3°C to 10°C higher than the melting temperature of polymer (P) of layer element (LE), preferably polymer (a)).

Preferably, the pressing step (iii) is initiated when the layer element (LE), preferably the polymer (a) of ethylene of the layer element (LE), reaches the following temperature: at least 85°C, suitably 85°C to 150°C, Suitably 85°C to 148°C, suitably 85°C to 140°C, preferably 90°C to 130°C, preferably 90°C to 120°C, preferably 90°C to 115°C, preferably 90°C to 110°C, It is preferably 90°C to 108°C.

During pressing step (iii), the duration of pressure build-up is preferably up to 5 minutes, preferably 0.5 minutes to 3 minutes. Building the pressure to the desired level during the pressing step can be done in one step or can be done in multiple steps.

During pressing step (iii), the pressure is maintained for a duration of preferably up to 10 minutes, preferably 3.0 minutes to 10 minutes.

The total duration of pressing step (iii) is preferably from 2 minutes to 10 minutes.

The total duration of heating step (ii) and pressing step (iii) is preferably up to 25 minutes, preferably from 2 minutes to 20 minutes.

The pressure used in pressing step (iii) is preferably up to 1000 mbar, preferably 500 mbar to 900 mbar.

test methods

Unless otherwise stated in the description or in the experimental section, the following methods are used for the determination of properties of polymer compositions, polar polymers and/or any sample preparations thereof as specified in the text or in the experimental section.

The melt flow rate

The melt flow rate (MFR) is determined according to ISO 1133 and is expressed in g/10min. The MFR is an indication of the flowability and therefore processability of the polymer. The higher the melt flow rate, the lower the viscosity of the polymer. For polyethylene, MFR is measured at 190°C. MFR can be determined at different loads, such as 2.16 kg (MFR ₂ ) or 5 kg (MFR ₅ ).

density

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE): The density of the polymer is measured according to ISO 1183-2. Sample preparation was performed according to ISO 1872-2 Table 3Q (compression molding).

Comonomer Content:

The content of polar comonomers present in the polymer (wt% and mol%) and the content of silane group containing units (preferably comonomers) present in the polymer composition (preferably the polymer) (wt% and mol%):

The comonomer content of a polymer set composition or polymer as provided above or below in this application is quantified using quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

Quantitative ¹ H NMR spectra were recorded in solution using a Bruker Advance III 400 NMR spectrometer operating at 400.15 MHz. All spectra were recorded at 100 °C using a standard broadband inverted 5 mm probe using nitrogen for all pneumatics. Approximately 200 mg of material was dissolved in 1,2-tetrachloroethane-d ₂ (TCE-d ₂ ) using di-tert-butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) (CAS 128-37-0) as stabilizer. Standard single-pulse excitation using a 30 degree pulse, a relaxation delay of 3 s, and no sample rotation was employed. Using 2 dummy scans, a total of 16 transients were obtained per spectrum. With a dwell time of 60 μs, a total of 32k data points were collected per FID, which corresponds to a spectral window of approximately 20 ppm. The FID was then zero-filled to 64k data points and an exponential window function with 0.3 Hz line broadening was used. This setting was chosen primarily to be able to resolve the quantitative signal resulting from the copolymerization of methyl acrylate and vinyltrimethoxysilane when present in the same polymer.

Quantitative1H NMR spectra were processed, integrated, and quantitative properties determined using ^a custom spectral analysis automation program. All chemical shifts are internally referenced to residual protonated solvent signal at 5.95 ppm.

When present, incorporation of vinyl acetate (VA), methyl acrylate (MA), butyl acrylate (BA), and vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) was observed in various comonomer sequences resulting in characteristic signal (Randell89). All comonomer content is calculated relative to other monomers present in the polymer.

The integration of the signal at 4.84 ppm assigned to the *VA site was used to quantify vinyl acetate ( VA) Incorporation:

VA=(I _* VA-(I _ArBHT )/2)/1

Methyl acrylate (MA) incorporation was quantified using the integration of the signal at 3.65 ppm assigned to the 1MA site, taking into account the number of reporter cores per comonomer:

MA=I _1MA /3

Taking into account the number of reporter cores per comonomer, butyl acrylate (BA) incorporation was quantified using the integration of the signal at 4.08 ppm assigned to the 4MA site:

BA=I _4BA /2

The integration of the signal at 3.56 ppm assigned to the 1VTMS site was used to quantify vinyltrimethoxysilane incorporation, taking into account the number of reporter cores per comonomer:

VTMS=I _1VTMS /9

A characteristic signal was observed resulting from the additional use of BHT as a stabilizer. The BHT content was quantified using the integration of the signal at 6.93 ppm assigned to the ArBHT site, taking into account the number of reporter nuclei per molecule:

BHT=I _ArBHT /2

The ethylene comonomer content was quantified using the integration of the bulk aliphatic (bulk) signal between 0.00-3.00 ppm. The integral can include 1VA(3) and αVA(2) sites from isolated vinyl acetate incorporation, *MA and αMA sites from isolated methyl acrylate incorporation, from isolated butyl acrylate 1BA(3) site, 2BA(2) site, 3BA(2) site, *BA(1) site, and αBA(2) site of ester incorporation from isolated vinylsilane-incorporated* VTMS site and αVTMS site and aliphatic site from BHT and site from polyethylene sequence. The total ethylene comonomer content was calculated based on the bulk integral and compensation for the observed comonomer sequence and BHT:

E=(1/4)*[I _{main body} -5*VA-3*MA-10*BA-3*VTMS-21*BHT]

It should be noted that half of the alpha signal in the bulk signal represents ethylene rather than comonomer and creates a small error due to the inability to compensate for the two saturated chain ends (S) without associated branching sites. The total mole fraction of a given monomer (M) in the polymer is calculated as:

fM=M/(E+VA+MA+BA+VTMS)

The total comonomer incorporation for a given monomer (M) in mole percent is calculated in a standard manner from the mole fraction:

M[mol%]=100*fM

The total comonomer incorporation for a given monomer (M) in weight percent is calculated in a standard manner from the mole fraction of the monomer and the molecular weight (MW):

M[wt%]=100*(fM*MW)/((fVA*86.09)+(fMA*86.09)+(fBA*128.17)+(fVTMS*148.23)+((1-fVA-fMA-fBA-fVTMS )*28.05))

randall89: J. Randall, Macromol. Sci., Rev. Macromol. Chem. Phys. 1989, C29, 201.

If characteristic signals from other specific chemical species are observed, the logic of quantification and/or compensation can be extended in a similar manner to characteristic signals for the specific described chemical species. Namely, identification of characteristic signals, quantification by integration of a particular signal or signals, scaling of the number of reported nuclei, and compensation of integral integration and correlation calculations. Although the method is specific to the specific chemical species in question, the method is based on the basic principles of quantitative NMR spectroscopy of polymers and can therefore be implemented as desired by one skilled in the art.

Adhesion test:

Adhesion tests were performed on laminate strips, and the force required to peel off the encapsulating film and backsheet was measured in a tensile testing apparatus.

A laminate consisting of glass, 2 encapsulation films and a backsheet is first laminated. A small piece of Teflon was inserted between the glass and the first encapsulation film at one of the ends, which would result in a small portion of the encapsulation film and backsheet not attached to the glass. This section will be used as the anchor point for the tensile test apparatus. All vacuum laminations were performed at 145°C using a 2 minute vacuum time and 6 minute hold time (membrane always at 800 mbar pressure).

The laminate was then cut along the laminate to form 13mm wide splines, cutting through the backsheet and encapsulating film all the way down to the glass surface.

The laminates were mounted in a tensile testing apparatus and the clamps of the tensile testing apparatus were attached to the ends of the strips.

The draw angle was 90° relative to the laminate and the draw speed was 50 mm/min.

Adhesion is the average force per 50mm peel with the spline peel starting at 25mm and ending at 75mm.

Since the width of the splines was 13 mm, the average force over 50 mm was divided by 1.3 and expressed as adhesion strength (N/cm).

Melting temperature, crystallization temperature (T _cr ) and crystallinity

The melting temperature Tm of the polymer used is measured according to ASTM D3418. Tm and Tcr were measured with a Mettler TA820 Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) on 3+-0.5 mg samples. Crystallization and melting curves were obtained during 10°C/min cooling and heating scans between -10°C and 200°C. The peaks of the endothermic curve and the exothermic curve were taken as the melting temperature and the crystallization temperature. Crystallinity is calculated by comparison to the heat of fusion of a fully crystalline polymer of the same polymer type (eg, polyethylene, 290 J/g).

Experimental part

Preparation of polymer examples (copolymers of ethylene with methyl acrylate comonomer and vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer) used in all experimental examples

The polymers are produced in commercially available high pressure tubular reactors using conventional peroxide initiators at pressures of 2500 bar to 3000 bar and maximum temperatures of 250°C to 300°C. Vinyl monomer, methyl acrylate (MA) polar comonomer and vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) comonomer (silane group-containing comonomer (b)) were charged to the reactor system in a conventional manner. MFR is modulated using CTA as is well known to the skilled artisan. Having information on the desired balance of properties of the final polymer (a) of the invention, the skilled person can control the process to obtain the polymer (a) of the invention.

The amount of vinyltrimethoxysilane units VTMS (=units containing silane groups), the amount of MA and the MFR ₂ are given in Table 1 .

Table 1: Properties of base polymers used in all samples for storage stability and adhesion tests

In Table 1 above, MA represents the content of methyl acrylate comonomer present in the polymer and correspondingly the VTMS content represents the content of vinyltrimethoxysilane comonomer present in the polymer. The polymers were used in the following experiments.

Storage stability

HALS can have a detrimental effect on the storage stability of the polymer composition, manifested by, for example, a decrease in MFR as a function of storage time. A decrease in MFR refers to an increase in the viscosity of the melt of the polymer composition. As a result, changes in MFR can have an adverse effect on the production of articles for the desired end application. For example, in applications where a layer of the HALS-containing polymer composition is integrally formed (eg, laminated) to a substrate of a dissimilar material (eg, a glass substrate), the adhesion of the HALS-containing polymer composition to the substrate may be insufficient required by the final application.

Production of membranes

Inventive HALS 1 and Comparative Examples HALS 1-4 were added to the base polymer at a concentration of 1600 ppm. The compound was homogenized using a twin roll mill. The compound was homogenized at 140°C for 5 minutes. The compound was then extruded into 0.45 mm thick films at 140°C.

Films for storage stability studies were placed in aluminum packaging and then placed in an oven for storage at 70°C.

Lamination of the adhesion samples was done as described in the adhesion test.

Table 2: Characteristics of HALS 1 of the present invention and HALS 1-4 of comparative examples

HALS additives CAS number HALS 1 of the present invention 65447-77-0 Comparative Example HALS 1 71878-19-8 Comparative Example HALS 2 52829-07-9 Comparative Example HALS 3 129757-67-1 Comparative Example HALS 4 191680-81-6

As can be seen from Figure 1, the type of additive used has a large effect on the rate of MFR reduction. A low rate of decline indicates a longer shelf life for the membrane.

Table 3: MFR values during storage at 70°C in aluminum packaging

HALS additives Days stored at 70°C until MFR2, 16kg < 2[g/10min] HALS 1 of the present invention 70 Comparative Example HALS 1 7 Comparative Example HALS 2 7 Comparative Example HALS 3 35 Comparative Example HALS 4 twenty one

Table 3 clearly shows the effect of the type of HALS used on the shelf life of the membrane.

Adhesion to glass after damp heat aging

Table 4: Peel force, average of three laminates, measured after exposure to damp heat (DH) conditions (85°C, 85% relative humidity)

Claims (18)

1. A polymer composition comprising - polymer (P); - units (b) containing silane groups; and - Hindered amine compounds (HALS) comprising units of formula (A0):

in R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted ( _C1 -C20)hydrocarbylene group optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-; or A heteroatom from -O-, -N= or -NR-; R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ and R ₅ are each independently selected from, substituted or unsubstituted optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- The (C1-C20) hydrocarbyl group; R is selected from substituted or unsubstituted (C1 _- C20)hydrocarbylene groups optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-; as long as R ₆ is attached to a ring atom of the unit of formula (A0) via an atom other than oxygen, -O-; wherein the number of optional substituents for each of R1 to R6 is independently selected from ₁ , ₂ , or ₃ ; and the optional substituents for each of R1 to R6 are independently selected from ( _C1 -C20) hydrocarbyl group optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- and the (C1-C20)hydrocarbyl group The group may be optionally substituted with a (C1-C20)hydrocarbyl group optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-; or a =O group; or -N(R) ₂ ; R is independently selected from H or a linear (C1-C8)alkyl group; and n is 1 to 20. 2. The polymer composition of claim 1, wherein the polymer (P) is a polyethylene polymer. 3. The polymer composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein The hindered amine compound (HALS) of formula (A) is a compound of formula (A1), wherein R ₁ is selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight, optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Chain or branched (C1-C20) alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted Substituted, unsaturated or partially saturated cyclic (C5-C8)alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heterocycles selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Atomic, substituted or unsubstituted cyclic (C5-C8)arylene groups; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted ( C1-C20) alkylene-cyclo(C5-C8) alkylene groups; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C20 ) alkylene-(C5-C8)arylene group; cyclic (C5-C8)alkylene optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted a radical-(C1-C20)alkylene group; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C5-C8)arylene-(C1 -C20) an alkylene group; or a heteroatom selected from -O- or -NR-; R ₂ , R ₃ , R ₄ and R ₅ are each independently selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Substituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched (C1-C20) hydrocarbyl groups; R ₆ is selected from, substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, straight, optionally interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Chain or branched (C1-C20) alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted Substituted, unsaturated or partially saturated cyclic (C5-C8)alkylene groups; optionally with 1, 2 or 3 ring heterocycles selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Atomic, substituted or unsubstituted cyclic (C5-C8)arylene groups; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted ( C1-C20) alkylene-cyclo(C5-C8) alkylene groups; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C1-C20 ) alkylene-(C5-C8)arylene group; cyclic (C5-C8)alkylene optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted a radical-(C1-C20)alkylene group; optionally interrupted by -O-, -N= or -NR-, substituted or unsubstituted (C5-C8)arylene-(C1 -C20) alkylene group; and wherein the number of optional substituents for each of R1 to R6 is independently selected from ₁ , ₂ , or ₃ ; and the optional substituents for each _of R1 to R6 are independently selected from optional substituents Saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched (C1-C20) hydrocarbyl radicals interrupted by 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR-; optionally A substituted or unsubstituted, unsaturated or partially saturated ring (C5-C8) having 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- Hydrocarbyl groups; substituted or unsubstituted (C5-C8)aryl groups optionally having 1, 2 or 3 ring heteroatoms selected from -O-, -N= or -NR- or =O group; or -N(R) ₂ ; R is independently selected from H or a linear (C1-C8)alkyl group; and n is 2 to 20. 4. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hindered amine compound (HALS) of formula (A) has a pH of 9 or lower, preferably 3 to 8.5. 5. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hindered amine compound (HALS) of formula (A) has a molecular weight of 300 to 6000. 6. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hindered amine compound (HALS) of formula (A) has 180°C or less, preferably 15°C to 150°C, preferably 20°C to Tm at 100°C. 7. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer (P) is selected from the polymer (a) of ethylene, which is selected from the polymer (a) of ethylene -(a1) polymers of ethylene with comonomers containing silane groups; -(a2) Ethylene with one or more polar comonomers selected from (C1-C6)-alkyl acrylate comonomers or (C1-C6)-alkyl acrylate (C1-C6)-alkyl ester comonomers a copolymer of a comonomer, said copolymer (a2) bearing units containing silane groups and said copolymer (a2) being different from said polymer (a1) of ethylene; or - (a3) copolymers of ethylene with one or more (C1-C10)-alpha-olefin comonomers, said copolymers (a3) with polymers of ethylene (a1) and polymers of ethylene (a2) different. 8. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer (a) of ethylene is (a2) ethylene with one or more, preferably one polar comonomer and containing Copolymers of silane-group comonomers, said polar comonomers being selected from (C1-C6)-alkyl acrylate comonomers or (C1-C6)-alkyl acrylates (C1-C6)-alkanes base ester comonomer. 9. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amount of the polar comonomer in the copolymer of ethylene (a2) is from 0.5 mol% to 30.0 mol%, preferably 2.5 mol% % to 18 mole %, preferably the polar comonomer is selected from (C1-C6)-alkyl acrylate comonomer, more preferably from methyl acrylate comonomer, ethyl acrylate comonomer or butyl acrylate Ester comonomer. 10. The polymer composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the silane group-containing units, or preferably, the silane group-containing comonomers of the polymer (a) of ethylene, are Hydrolyzable unsaturated silane compound represented by formula (I): R1SiR2qY3-q(I) in R1 is an ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbyl, hydrocarbyloxy or (meth)acryloyloxy hydrocarbyl group, Each R2 is independently an aliphatic saturated hydrocarbyl group, Y may be the same or different, is a hydrolyzable organic group, and q is 0, 1 or 2; Preferably, the amount of said silane group-containing units or preferably said silane group-containing comonomers of the polymer (a) of ethylene is from 0.01 mol% to 2.0 mol%; Preferably, said polymer (a) of ethylene, preferably said copolymer, is produced by polymerisation in a high pressure polymerisation process using free radical initiators. 11. A polymer composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the polymer (a) of ethylene has one or two, preferably two, of the following in any order, - a melt flow rate MFR ₂ (according to ISO 1133 at 190°C and under a 2.16kg load) of less than 20g/10min, suitably 0.1g/10min to 15g/10min; or - Melting temperature Tm of 120°C or lower when measured as described under "Determination method" in the specification. 12. A layer element (LE) comprising one or more layers, wherein at least one layer comprises a polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims 1-11. 13. An article comprising a polymer composition according to any of the preceding claims 1-11, preferably a layer element (LE) according to claim 12. 14. The article according to claim 13, which is an assembly comprising two or more layer elements, wherein at least one layer element is a layer element (LE) according to claim 12. 15. The article according to claim 13 or 14, which is a photovoltaic (PV) module comprising a photovoltaic element and one or more further layer elements, wherein at least one layer element is a layer element according to claim 12 ( LE). 16. The photovoltaic (PV) module of claim 15, comprising a protective front layer element, a front encapsulation layer element, a photovoltaic element, a rear encapsulation layer element, and a protective back layer element in a given order, wherein the front encapsulation layer element The layer element and the rear encapsulation layer element are layer elements (LE) according to claim 12 . 17. Photovoltaic (PV) module according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the protective front layer elements, preferably the protective layer elements and the protective back layer elements are rigid layer elements, preferably glass layer elements. 18. A method for producing an article, preferably a photovoltaic (PV) module, comprising two or more layer elements, wherein at least one layer element is a layer element (LE) according to the invention, The method includes the following steps - assembling said layer element (LE) and one or more further layer elements into an assembly; - laminating the layer elements of the assembly at an elevated temperature to adhere the elements together; and - Recovery of the obtained article as defined above or below or in the claims.

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